“Hear, my son, and accept my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.”
Proverbs 4:10-13
Key Words:
Hear (shama): hear with attention or interest, hearken, heed, listen to, obey, publish, understand, obedient, diligent
Accept (laqach): take possession of, receive, fetch, bring, lay hold of, seize, buy, snatch, take in marriage
Directed (yarah): teach, shoot, archers, cast, throw
Wisdom (chokmah): skill, wisdom, shrewdness, prudence
Led (darak): tread, march forth, bend a bow (archer), lead, walk, lead forth, guide
Take hold (chazaq): strong, repair, hold, strengthen, harden, prevail, courage, firm, resolute
Let go (raphah): feeble, fail, weaken, slack, faint, abate, sink, relax, let drop, abandon, forsake
Guard (natsar): keep, preserve, guard from danger, watchman, keep close, blockade
God’s Word is full of exhortations, commands, and examples of what a blessed thing it is to follow the wisdom of our parents. And the words used in these Scriptures make it clear that I should not just pat myself on the back for letting my parents have their say and then go ahead and do whatever I please. The ”hearing” enjoined means to treasure their instruction so highly that I grab hold of it like my life depends on it, and then obey it, trusting results to God.
Now, obviously, all of the input into our lives should be checked out against the principles in God’s Word. If we are told to do something that would clearly mean disobeying God, then we must obey God first. However, barring an issue like that, we should strive to honor our parents by following their words. That is not always easy, especially considering that our parents are not perfect. But then neither are we, even if we consider ourselves very spiritually minded and close to the Lord. This is a step of faith, and it teaches us that God chooses to work through imperfect people to accomplish His will.
I grew up in a religious home with loving parents who taught me the best they knew how. I did not know the Lord until I had left home to go to engineering school. While growing up, I guess I was known as a “nice kid” and was not the nastiest rebel in the neighborhood. But I still did not treasure my parents’ instruction, and I did what I wanted. After coming to Christ later, it wasn’t long before the Lord pressed on me to be thankful to my Dad and Mom for all they had done for me through life. And ever since then, continuing to today, the Lord has opened my eyes more and more to appreciate what they have said and done to bring me up. My main regret is that this appreciation came late, after I was no longer living with them. God is very gracious to cover my sin, but still they and I have missed many of the blessings He promises for honoring them while growing up.
Rebellion is natural, normal, and OK, you might say, for a typical teen? Maybe it looks that way by observing how most people in the world operate. But that is not God’s way, and He gives the power to do otherwise to those who know Him. What Christians must realize is that we have bought into the modern world’s view when we think that a youth despising his parents is OK and is a necessary part of life. Question this mindset; be a Berean. Take a fresh look at what the Scriptures really say regarding this relationship. Then be willing to put on the new man.
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed,they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9
“My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:1-5
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”
Proverbs 3:1-2
“Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding, for I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live; acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.””
Proverbs 4:1-5
“My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.”
Proverbs 6:20-23
“Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.”
Proverbs 23:22-25
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:20
~ Tom
Last week when the Connecticut relatives came down for a visit, we had such a good time together. One of our "traditions" is to play Password; a visit just isn't complete without it! It was a little confusing at first, when we were trying to figure out how to play a 4 player game with a group of 10. Once we got all of that straightened out, we had a grand time giving clues and guessing words. My team lost, but not by much!
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